Nature of Georgia - national parks and reserves for active recreation

Georgia is an amazingly beautiful country. The natural diversity and mild climate of the country attracts thousands of tourists all year round. Majestic mountains, emerald forests, crystal lakes and mineral springs are her pride and heritage. Georgia occupies the plains that stretch along the Black Sea coast between the Great and Small Caucasian ranges. More than half the country’s area is mountainous. The vast Colchis lowland stretches on the western part while the fertile plains of Imereti, Kartalinia and Kakheti are spread on the eastern part. One third of the country’s territory is covered with mountain forests. Climatic features also vary: from west to east, the humid subtropical climate is replaced by a temperate and arid climate.

National local parks in which all the beauties of the country are collected, contribute to the preservation of Georgia’s natural wealth. The largest of them Borjomi-Kharagauli, can be found in the central part. A variety of plants, animals and landscapes are combined with architectural monuments of antiquity (the Niedzwski fortress of the 9th century, the ancient temple of the 13th century, the monastery of Chitaeevi, the fortifications of Gogia and Petra) can be seen on its territory. The park is equipped with picnic and barbecue areas, a place for camping, pedestrian paths, and cottages for overnight stays. Horse rangers provide a safe stay of tourists in Borjomi-Kharagauli.

Kintrichi National Park is situated on the slopes of Ajaro-Imereti Ridge. Today it is a real open-air museum with rough mountain rivers, lakes and waterfalls, relict forests of Cainozoic and a vast world of fauna. The pearl of the reserve is preserved fortifications, churches and monasteries, and the ruins of arched bridges that have survived for centuries. Tourists can go on a foot tour or take a group excursion on horseback in the company of a guide. In the foothill area of ​​the Greater Caucasus on the Saguramo-Ialno ridge, you will find the Tbilisi National Park. Its area is surrounded by regions with a rich past: Shida-Kartli, Kakheti and Erzo-Tianeti. A unique feature of the park is the flora of the Tertiary period growing in it, among which are the Colchis ivy and holly, and the Caucasian rhododendron. In order to save rare plants, a special reservation was established under the control of forestry. In summer, a popular recreational zone operates on the Tbilisi reservoir. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Tushetia is one of the most ancient mountain regions of Georgia, a historical place of residence of the mountaineers. In the early 21st century, a national park with the same name was opened in Tushetia. It is distinguished from others by multiple settlements in which people live. Of special interest to tourists are the villages of Kvavlo, Diklo, and Shenako. To this day, in these villages among the ancient scenery live the highlanders. Tushetia is a quite difficult region to navigate, thus it is better to get to it on a jeep and explore the territory on horseback. Special training may be required in order to overcome the path to the park on foot. Note that it is not allowed to build bonfires, destroy nature, walk dogs, litter the environment, use transportation, or hunt here.

Near the city of Kutaisi on the Kutaisi Mountain is the Sataplia reserve. Its name translated from Georgian means “honey”, owing to the ancient havens of wild bees on its territory. There is practically no terrestrial vegetation in the protected forest. The thick foliage of trees almost does not transmit light thus creating constant shading. In the reserve, tourists can see architectural antiquities, authentic traces of dinosaurs and amazing karst caves. In the mountains of Adjara, you will find the picturesque Mahuntseti waterfall. There is an opinion among tourists that the cold water of this waterfall rejuvenates the body. You can take a healing bath in a stone bowl under the waterfall. The legendary Mahuntseti Bridge which was built in the 12th century by Venetian or Genoese builders leads to the waterfall.